Brown Willing To Take Pay Cut:Ruben Brown told the Buffalo News that he is willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Bills. He says he will do what it takes to stay in Buffalo because he wants to be a Bill more than anything. Even with his willingness to take a cut his days in Buffalo may be over. He is due a $1.8 Million roster bonus on March 3rd that would count against the cap. If they cut him before that date, he will only count $4 Million against the salary cap. Even if he takes a cut, he will still count more than the $4 Million cap hit the team would take with his release.

Van Pelt Surgery:Alex Van Pelt underwent successful surgery to repair a ligament in his right wrist this month. The injury cost Van Pelt to miss the final two games of the season. He is expected to be ready for training camp in July. Injury Page.

Mularkey On Brown: Mike Mularkey spoke to reporters at the opening of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He broached a variety of subjects regaring the combine and the Bills. He did reveal that he spoke to Reuben Brown this past week and said that his on the field performance is his first priority and indicated that the off the field problem he had with Gregg Williams at the end of the season wasn't a real big issue with him. Brown missed the final week of practice and was suspended by the head coach for the season finale against New England.

Tight End Not A Priority: Another interesting note from Mularkey at the combine, he spoke about the tight end position. This is the position he is most familiar with since he was one in his playing days and was a TE coach in Tampa Bay. Mularkey feels this position is in good shape and not a priority this offseason. He feels Mark Campbell played well last year and they plan to utilize him more this season. He knows Dave Moore from his days in Tampa Bay and called him a real smart player.

Cap Figure High: The NFL's salary cap figure will top $80 Million for the first time. It will be approximately $80.5 Million. ESPN.com is reporting that will leave the Bills about $6.8 Million under the cap.

Combine Begins: Mike Mularkey and his staff as well as GM Tom Donahoe are in Indianapolis for the scouting combine that goes on until Feb. 24th. This will take up all the time for the Bills brass over the coming week as they get a first hand look at the draft class of 2004. There will be a lot of interviews and workouts to see who will be worth drafting come April.

Stewart To Buffalo? Speculation continues as the Bills look to shore up their QB position. The Chicago Tribune is reporting that when Kordell Stewart gets released, as expected, he may end up in Buffalo. This is pure speculation but the logic behind it, is his history with Mike Mularkey and Tom Clements. Both men are credited with turning Stewart around for one year in Pittsburgh.

Henson May Get Another Look: Tom Donahoe confirmed that the Bills are interested in Drew Henson as a long term prospect. They may bring him to Buffalo for another look, that is considered essential for any team serious about trading for him. The big hurdle is whether or not Henson can agree on a deal with Houston before they trade his rights.

Winfield To Test Market: The Rochester D&C is reporting that free agent CB Antoine Winfield will indeed test the free agent market. This is not unexpected as it will be a hot market for cornerbacks. Tom Donahoe told the paper that he wanted to discuss a new deal but the agent for Winfield informed him of their desire to test free agency. Donahoe reiterated his stance that he would like to keep Winfield. The cornerback's agent said it has nothing to do with the Bills that his client wants to test the market. Donahoe also said that the Bills do not plan on placing the franchise tag on him. That would keep him essentially off the open market. The team does not have any transition tags at its disposal. The Bills are not closing the door or ending their hopes of re-signing him. A dozen or so teams may seek his services.

Free Agent Update: With Winfield testing the free agent market, the Bills are not expected to make deals with any unrestricted free agent before the start of free agency on March 3rd. They are trying to work out a deal with restricted free agent Marques Sullivan, if not they will tender him an offer. They have already re-signed Ross Tucker and plan on putting tender offers on the rest of their restricted and exclusive right free agents.

Bills Look At Banks: WNSA is reporting that the Bills took a look at former Iowas QB Brad Banks yesterday. The team continues its search for young arms at the position to groom for the future. Banks was a star for the Hawkeyes in 2002 when he led Iowa to a record of 11-1.

Bills Check Out CFL WR: A report out of Edmonton say that the Bills have worked out CFL WR Jason Tucker. He is a highly coveted free agent in Canada and is waiting to see whether or not the Bills make him an offer. He expects a decision by later in the week.

Henson Heat Up: Starting today Houston Texans GM Charley Casserly is calling all 20 teams that attended the workout for Drew Henson last Thursday. He will try to whittle down the list to see who has serious interest. Some observers feel the Bills are among the front runners for his services. Houston can't change him until March 3rd and must get rid of him by the day before the draft or lose his rights.